Kern steps right into the cage for Navy lacrosse

Navy's goalie Ryan Kern makes save in the first quarter against Boston University Terriers. When Kern took the field against Johns Hopkins in the season opener on Feb. 7, he became just the third freshman to start in goal in Navy men’s lacrosse history. (By Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette) Ryan Kern is an outstanding student and could have come directly to the Naval Academy. However, the standout goalkeeper realized the Midshipmen would have a returning starter at his position in 2016 and thus elected to attend the Naval Academy Prep School for a year.

"I knew John Connors would be graduating and the job would be open," Kern said. "My mindset was to come in and challenge for the starting…